September 2009
Consumers in Alberta have a choice when it
comes to the company they buy their electricity
from. Each household can make a decision that
suits their service and budget needs.
You can choose to buy electricity from a
regulated or a competitive retailer. The
regulated retailers offer the Regulated Rate
Option (RRO), which changes month-to-month.
The competitive retailers offer different products,
including longer-term contracts. The Utilities
Consumer Advocate offers information on what
to know before making a choice at
www.ucahelps.gov.ab.ca or by calling toll-free
310-4822.
Electricity bills in Alberta are broken down into
components. You have always paid for these
components, but the line items have not always
been shown. Before you make a decision on
which company to buy your electricity from, find
out what you are paying for.
Here’s a look at the components of a typical
residential Alberta electricity bill:
Delivery charges
The delivery charge is the regulated cost of
delivering electricity to consumers. Consumers
have always paid for these costs. The highvoltage transmission and low-voltage
distribution systems remain regulated and rates
are approved by a regulative body.
Meter reading: Estimated (E) or Actual (A)
Meter reading is done by your distribution
company, which is not always the same as your
retail or billing company. Meters are read at
least every 60 days, but not necessarily
monthly. Your bill will state whether the current
charges are based on an estimate (E) of your
consumption or an actual (A) meter reading.
Detailed delivery charges may be shown on
your bill in one of two ways:
1.Described as distribution and transmission:
You may also have the option of providing your
own meter readings. Contact your distribution
company to learn if they accept customer meter
readings and if so, how to read your meter. Your
distribution company will be listed on your
electricity bill.
Distribution is the cost of building, operating and
maintaining the local distribution system.
Transmission is the cost of building, operating
and maintaining the provincial power grid.
Energy charges
This is the cost of electric energy you have used
in a billing period. These charges are expressed
in cents per kilowatt-hour (¢/kWh).
2. Described as fixed and variable delivery
charges:
A fixed delivery charge includes the costs of
building and maintaining the local and provincial
grids to deliver electricity to consumers
regardless of consumption.
The rate you are paying, in ¢/kWh, is the part
of your bill that would be affected by a
change in your retailer.
www.energy.alberta.ca
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A variable delivery charge includes the cost for
the operation of the distribution and
transmission systems based on the amount of
energy consumed.
Rate rider(s)
A rider is a temporary credit or charge approved
by the regulator. Riders occur when the actual
costs incurred by a utility to provide electricity
service to their customers is different from their
approved rates.
Administration charge
This fee covers the costs related to billing and
customer service.
Green power
This is a premium charge related to electricity
produced from a renewable or an alternative
energy source.
Credits
In January 2006, surplus funds began flowing
back to Albertans from the sale of generation
marketing rights from the Balancing Pool. This
credit is paid back to consumers.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
The five per cent GST calculation is based on
the total costs in your bill, so will fluctuate based
on your other charges. GST policy is set by the
Government of Canada.
Local access fee
This is paid to your local government or band
council to allow the utility access to land to
construct, maintain and operate the distribution
system serving the residents. The fee is
determined by the local government or band
council.
For questions about
charges or line items on
your bill, call your
retailer/billing company.
The company’s name is
on your bill.
For more information about your options or
electricity bill, visit www.ucahelps.gov.ab.ca or
call toll-free 310-4822.
Direct Energy
1-888-420-3181
www.directenergy.com
ENMAX
310-2010 (toll-free in Alberta)
www.enmax.com
EPCOR
310-4300 (toll-free in Alberta)
www.epcor.ca
780-417-3396 or
1-877-717-3496 (toll-free)
www.afrea.ab.ca
780-427-4903
310-0000 (toll-free in Alberta)
www.auc.ab.ca
780-417-3396 or
1-877-717-3496 (toll-free)
www.afrea.ab.ca
REAs (Rural Electrification
Associations)
Contact the Alberta Federation of
REAs (AFREA) to obtain contact
information for local REAs
Alberta Utilities Commission
For questions about how (AUC)
rates are
approved, call the regulator. If you aren’t sure
REAs
who the regulator is, call
the Public Information
Centre at 780-427-0265.
Your municipal council
www.energy.alberta.ca
Check your local phone
directory
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